has been a lot of work on the fiscal cliff. we have talked about medicare savings that can improve and strengthen the program and address rising national health expenditures. we will have more to say on the issue of taxes. we are ecstatic to have senator durbin here today, who has played a fundamental role over the last several years. he has been part of every negotiation that has taken place. he is still an optimist. that is a sign of progress. he has had a long history of being a champion and advocate for the middle class. he has carried that advocacy in the budget negotiations. he was part of the supercommittee, this fiscal, the gang of eight, the gang of six -- almost every gang that has been involved in these issues. he has been a fighter for what is right and for having a plan that stands true to the values of the american people and the people who voted and waited in line for hours on end to vote -- people who want a fair shake out of washington. as a champion of that fair shake, i am excited to have senator durbin. >> n